Upgrading a series 2

[russelljones]

OK

So having had a while away from my series 2, I have just about caught the bug again

It's sat in the garage for the past 5 years doing MOT mileage and looking lovely.

UI used to use it 10 years ago as an every day car and put 12K on it each year but having now had a few years away from it it does remind me that it has limitations when dirving it.

I am happy to drive it knowing it was designed in the 60's (50's?) but have a dream of bringing it up to shape a little

So I have a wishlist and anyone with any experience, good or bad, of upgrading, please let me know your thoughts

My wishlist is

1. uprated brakes (I keep looking at front and rear upgrades from Ken Watson's site WATJAG as they have the revised front geometry as well)

2. uprated roll bars

3. any other upgrade to the steering ( not power!) such as new bushes etc

Anyone out there with any experience of these or any other upgrades?

When I was dirving it a lot I had already put on the wider AM wheels and electronics for the ignition which made it a lot more usable as an everyday car.

[Heuer]

Welcome to the Forum. In response to your questions:

1. The E-Type brakes can be a concern when the car mingles with modern traffic but that is easily remedied. The weakness lies in the calipers so simply change the front ones for a set of Zeus four pot's and, having reconditioned the old ones, them on the rear to replace the stock calipers. Try some Greenstuff pads as well. Some people (me included) have put S3 ventilated discs on the front but it is not really necessary unless you are doing track days or Alpine passes. Zeus can be found here: http://www.zeus.uk.com/calipers.php You could also consider Coopercraft calipers.

2. The so called 'uprated' roll bars are actually those from the S3 and are 7/8" diameter at the front and 9/16" at the rear. SNG sell a complete kit with matching bushes. Avoid the polyurethane bushes as they very quickly start to groan and creak under braking - stick to the standard rubber ones, which are also cheaper.

3. You can replace the Metalastic steering rack bushes with solid or polyurethane ones but it will tend to increase bump steer and harshness. Providing the rack and other steering components are in good condition I doubt you will see much of an improvement. Steering feel will be different but not necessarily better. You may want to check the steering universal joints top and bottom as the originals have no grease point and their location means the sealed grease dries out. For the cost it is worthwhile changing both as you will be amazed how good the steering will become with a new set. Do that first and then consider whether you want a solid mounted rack. There are two Elastollan bearings in the steering column which can wear causing excessive movement in the steering wheel (up and down) and these are relatively easy to replace. There does need to be some play in the column otherwise on a hot day the steering will creak and it is not uncommon to have to sand the inside of new bearings to get sufficient clearance so be circumspect before replacing them.